The Tale of King Shantanu, Goddess Ganga, and Devavrata

In the ancient kingdom of Hastinapura, there ruled a noble and just king named Shantanu. Wise, brave, and compassionate, Shantanu was loved by his people and known for his skills as a warrior and a just ruler. One day, while strolling along the banks of the Ganges River, he encountered a woman of exceptional beauty. Her grace and charm captivated him instantly, and he felt a deep, unexplainable love for her. She was none other than Goddess Ganga in human form, but Shantanu was unaware of her true identity.

Moved by his admiration, Shantanu approached her and expressed his wish to marry her. Ganga, smiling softly, agreed to marry him, but with one condition. She said, “I will marry you, but you must promise that you will never question or interfere with anything I do, no matter how strange or difficult it may seem. If you ever break this promise, I will leave you forever.”

Although perplexed, Shantanu’s love for her was so strong that he agreed to her condition without hesitation. They were married, and soon Shantanu’s happiness knew no bounds. In time, they had a son, but something inexplicable happened. As soon as their newborn son was born, Ganga took the infant to the river and, without a word, submerged him into the waters, letting the current carry him away.

Shantanu was heartbroken and horrified, but he remembered his promise to Ganga. He remained silent, hiding his grief and sorrow, even as he watched Ganga take his children, one by one, to the river and release them into its depths. This heart-wrenching cycle continued until they had lost seven sons in this manner, and Shantanu’s heart could bear it no longer.

When Ganga bore their eighth child and again attempted to carry him to the river, Shantanu could no longer hold back. Desperately, he stopped her and demanded an explanation, breaking his promise in the process. He asked, “Why are you doing this? Why would you take our children and give them to the river?”

Ganga looked at him with sadness and understanding. She revealed her true identity as the goddess of the Ganges River and explained the reason behind her actions. Long ago, she told him, the eight Vasus (celestial beings) had been cursed by the sage Vashishta to be born on earth as humans due to a transgression they had committed. Desperate to escape their mortal fates, they pleaded with Ganga to be their mother and release them from the human world as soon as they were born. Ganga had promised to fulfill their wish, and each son she submerged in the river had been one of the Vasus, freed from the mortal cycle upon entering the water.

However, the eighth child, the one she was about to take to the river when Shantanu stopped her, was bound by a different fate. This child, Devavrata, had to live out his life on earth and would not be freed from the curse like his brothers. Since Shantanu had intervened, Ganga had to abide by his request and let the child live.

Ganga handed the infant Devavrata to Shantanu, saying, “This child will live a remarkable life and achieve greatness. You shall raise him, for his destiny is tied to this world.” After blessing Shantanu and Devavrata, Ganga bid them farewell, disappearing into the waters of the river, leaving Shantanu heartbroken but consoled by the presence of his son.

As Devavrata grew, he proved himself to be a devoted son, gifted in all aspects of knowledge, warfare, and wisdom. Shantanu loved him dearly and ensured he was trained in all the arts befitting a prince. Devavrata grew into a formidable warrior and became the pride of Hastinapura.

Years later, Shantanu fell in love with a fisherwoman named Satyavati. But her father, the chief of the fishermen, had one condition: he would only allow the marriage if Satyavati’s children inherited the throne. Shantanu, torn between his love for Satyavati and his duty to Devavrata, found himself in a dilemma. Unable to reconcile these feelings, he grew distant and sorrowful.

When Devavrata learned of his father’s plight, he approached the fisherman and made a vow that would echo through history. He renounced his claim to the throne, declaring that he would never marry and would dedicate his life to serving the throne of Hastinapura. This incredible vow of lifelong celibacy and loyalty earned him the title *Bhishma*, meaning “one who undertakes a terrible vow.”

With Devavrata’s promise, the obstacle to Shantanu and Satyavati’s marriage was removed, and they were united. Shantanu, overwhelmed by his son’s sacrifice, granted him a boon of *iccha-mrityu*, the ability to choose the time of his own death, as a reward for his unparalleled loyalty and selflessness.

Devavrata, now Bhishma, became one of the most revered figures in the history of Hastinapura. His vow and dedication became legendary, symbolizing loyalty, sacrifice, and duty above personal desires. Bhishma went on to play a pivotal role in the Mahabharata, shaping the destinies of future generations, all while upholding his vow and loyalty to the throne of Hastinapura.

### Moral:

The tale of King Shantanu, Ganga, and Bhishma teaches us the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and duty. Bhishma’s vow to forgo personal happiness for the sake of his father and kingdom exemplifies selflessness. The story reminds us that true greatness lies in upholding one’s responsibilities, even when they come at a great personal cost. Bhishma’s life stands as a timeless example of duty and the strength required to put others’ needs above one’s own desires.